Statement from New York City Council on the NYPD’s Implementation of Radio Encryption

 

In response to the NYPD confirming that it has begun to encrypt radio transmissions that have been available to the media and volunteer first responders for decades, the New York City Council released the following statement from spokesperson Rendy Desamours.

“Transparency is key to achieving and maintaining public safety. It is troubling that the NYPD began encrypting its radio system without an adequate transparency plan implemented first, which can jeopardize the safety of New Yorkers. Journalists, volunteer first responders, and other key stakeholders across diverse neighborhoods rely on the system to help keep people safe and deliver important information. There should have been a comprehensive plan to maintain access and transparency, rather than it being an afterthought when making any changes. This rollout raises serious public safety and policy concerns that need to be further examined. The Council will continue to prioritize strengthening transparency and accountability to promote the safety of New Yorkers.”